Go & Do
TODAY
Christmas caroling: Join in a Christmas caroling tradition on the Red Trains, from 5 to 8 p.m. beginning at The Galimore Community Center, 399 Riberia St., in Lincolnville near downtown St. Augustine. All children ages 5 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The St. Augustine Red Trains will give complimentary rides to all carolers during this event.

Go & Do
TODAY
Sunset Estuary Eco Tour: Nature, birding and dolphins can be seen on a private 90-minute boat excursion with a Naturalist boat captain. Trips are reserved for six guest or less. Cost is $35 for adults and $25 for children under 12. Call 377-7245 for additional information and reservations. Gift certificates available.

Trout Creek group goes on tour
A group of 38 seniors from the Trout Creek Park Pavilion in Orangedale toured the Festival of Trees at World Golf Village recently and enjoyed lunch at the Renaissance Resort after the tour.

Glenmoor on the move
Glenmoor, a retirement resort at World Golf Village, celebrated delivery earlier this month of a new 26-passenger bus to serve the community's members. Carson Whitehead, director of security and transportation, spoke to the large crowd of community residents, drivers and staff who gathered to learn about the 2008 International vehicle, which was ordered with special equipment and options specifically to meet the needs of Glenmoor's membership.

Social Security Q & A
Q: I recently heard that I will get a 2.3 percent increase in my Social Security benefits in January 2008. How is that figure determined?

'After the fall'
The new year brings a treat for theater aficionados. A staged reading of Arthur Miller's "After The Fall" will be presented in tribute to one of America's great playwrights, who died on Feb. 10, 2005, at the age of 90.

The Wobbly Toms children's library benefit show
The music will be lively Dec. 21 at The British Pub on Anastasia Island. Local band The Wobbly Toms will be on stage from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., raising money for a children's library in Thailand. There will be a $3 donation at the door, with all proceeds going to renovate and update a now defunct moldy old library with no books in the North East Isaan region of Thailand. A band member went there to study the effects of a grassroots development aid program on the local population, as part of his college thesis. He met with several local community leaders all trying to better their way of life and was shocked at the lack of simple school items like books, pens, and paper things we take for granted here. The concrete pavilion was stacked with rotting magazines and broken desks no electrical outlets, no plumbing, a leaky roof and no books. The band member was asked by the head teacher of the school if there was any way he could help her make her library a real center of learning. To help raise money for the library, come see the local musicians perform. Call the pub at 810-5111.

December exhibits
The following are exhibits in local galleries on view during December.

Happy Feet & The Polar Express
Two beloved holiday films will return to the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater for the winter Warner Bros. Pictures' "The Polar Express" and its production of "Happy Feet."

Beach Blast-Off 2008
Dec. 31: Activities begin at 3 p.m. and conclude with fireworks synchronized to music from the Decades, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Beach Pier and pavilion. This year's event features the Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off with 17 local restaurants participating and bringing twice as much chili as last year.

Northwest St. Johns events
Taste wine
Cork and Keg, in Bartram Oaks Walk on the corner of State Road 13 and Racetrack Road, holds wine tastings from 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. Cost is $5 to taste five wines, and a $5 credit is given on any wine purchased during the event. Call 287-4310 or go online at www.corkandkeg.com

'Swingin' The New Year 2008' party
Dec. 31: Popular '60s band The Swingin' Medallions will return to Northeast Florida to perform at the big New Year's Eve bash at The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine. Famous for such classics as the million-selling "Double Shot (of My Baby's Love)" and "Hey, Hey, Baby," The Swingin' Medallions are known for their impressive stage shows, and are often called "The Party Band of the South." The "Swingin' The New Year 2008" festivities will be from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 31 in the resort's ballroom. The Renaissance Resort is offering several New Year's Eve packages. For reservations, or for information on any of the packages, call (904) 940-8000 or (888) 740-7020, or go to www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com.

All about wine ...
Winter wine classes
Wine classes at The Joyful Cork will begin at 6:45 p.m. each Monday, Jan. 7 through Feb. 4. Each sit-down session will last 90 minutes and will include informative discussion and illustrative tastings. Note-taking is suggested. Tuition is $30 per class or $120 for the whole package. Registration is limited and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment must be made in advance to hold a seat, and refunds will be given only for cancellations made prior to 48 hours before class time. All participants must be at least 21 years of age. Bread and cheese is included with each class, and discounts are offered on wines purchased that evening. To sign up, call 823-9923 or stop by the store.

Senior Playwright Festival
The Coastal Community Center will sponsor the "2008 Florida Senior Playwright Festival." This free, grant-based project is run through the Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville. Plays will be read and judged by representatives from the Hippodrome Theatre, the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance and Santa Fe Community College. Three winning plays will be presented in staged readings at the Hippodrome during the Florida Senior Playwright Festival weekend, May 9-11.Submit registration form and play to the Coastal Community Center, 180 Marine St., no later than Feb. 1.

A Storybook Christmas
A one-act Christmas musical for the young and young at heart will be performed by students from the Academy of Performing Arts Musical Theater Ensemble.

Enjoyment of Music classes
Dr. Gerson Yessin will be facilitating a new class called the"Enjoyment of Music" at THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center, 175 Landrum Lane in Ponte Vedra Beach. The class is scheduled to begin from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, and will continue each Monday until further notice.

JP Henley's celebrates one year
Nestled near the Bridge of Lions in downtown St. Augustine lies a friendly little neighborhood pub that's proven to be a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike.

Children's holiday camps
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve will offer several kids' and family activities from Dec. 27 through Jan. 3. These programs will be educational, fun and free with regular admission to the Research Reserve's Environmental Education Center. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age 10 to 17, and children under 10 are free. Nature hikes are $3 per vehicle parking fee. The Research Reserve Environmental Education Center is located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, off A1A 17 miles south of JTB or 8 miles north of Vilano Beach. Space is limited. Call 823-4500 to make reservations.

Things to do
Nights of Lights: More than two million tiny white lights will glow along the ancient streets and historic buildings of the Nation's oldest city during the annual Nights of Lights, through Jan. 31, 2008. For more information, call (800) 653-2489 or go online at nightsoflights.com.

Christmas lights
Viewing Christmas light displays in local neighborhoods is a holiday tradition for some families this time of year. Here's a list of area addresses where lights were spotted by residents in the past few weeks:

Local art series
Garden art series
The Millen Memorial Garden is in full glory with some plants going into winter dormancy at the Coastal Community Center, 180 Marine St., St.Augustine. Bring a hat; all materials provided.

Ongoing music events
First Mondays: The Historic Cafe, 24 Cathedral Place, downtown St. Augustine, hosts free classical music on the first Monday of each month. For more information, call 687-1403 or e-mail historiccafe@yahoo.com

'The Fantasticks'
When "The Fantasticks" opened at the off-Broadway Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village on May 3, 1960, who ever would have believed that this intimate, little musical romance book and lyrics by two young unknowns from Texas would run an unbelievable 42 years, (17,162 performances) establishing itself as the longest-running legitimate show of any category in American theatre history? Well, apparently it has qualities that make it quite extraordinary.

Home for the Holidays
Dec. 22: Visit a live Nativity, Snowman Village with real snow, enjoy luminaries and a Hall of Wreaths, from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Homeport Christian Church in southern St. Johns County.

'The Pirates of Penzance' auditions
Auditions for First Coast Opera's production of "The Pirates Of Penzance," directed by Jean Rahner, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 and Jan. 3, at the St. Augustine Art Association, 22 Marine St., downtown St. Augustine. Please bring headshot and resume. Singers bring one song, preferably by Gilbert & Sullivan, that would demonstrate similar abilities to those required of the desired role in the operetta. An accompanist will be provided. There will be cold readings from the script for those roles with dialogue. For more information on auditions, call Jim Goodell at (904) 223-9840 or e-mail jgoodellperform@aol.com.

Life in a Nutshell: Meatfest -- A beefy celebration
Of all the holiday traditions, this one might be the most special, the most glorious, the most magical and memorable. It also might just be the most artery-clogging of all. But as they say, if it doesn't strain or pain your heart, it isn't worth doing.

From Manhattan to the Ancient City
heryl Paige left her Manhattan life of singing jingles and performing in jazz clubs behind for the peacefulness and warm weather of St. Augustine.

Bob Jones
A life changing experience brought Bob Jones back to songwriting and it was British Pub owner, Dave Renwick, who gave him a place to play it.

Column: Have chestnuts, will roast
Nat King Cole's famous rendition of the Christmas song opens with the magical words, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire." and every year, the 1944 classic announces the beginning of the holiday season. Though actually penned by Mel Torm and Bob Wells, it was Cole's version that most people are familiar with today. Regardless of who made a hit of the song, each time I hear the tune, I can't help but wonder where all the chestnuts roasters have gone. Once a central part of holiday festivities, roasting chestnuts is no longer a winter mainstay in America.

There's still time to bake those cookies
These cakey drop cookies are subtly sweet with hints of ginger and orange. If you prefer more assertive flavors, add a bit of grated fresh ginger to the cookie batter or powdered ginger to the glaze.

Party hearty and healthy
You might think you're being virtuous by sticking with just a few bite-sized hors d'oeuvres at your next holiday party, but nibble with caution. Those tiny packages can pack plenty of fat and calories.

Cinnamon-sugar chips make good party fare
This simple recipe for sweet fried tortilla chips comes from Padma Lakshmi, the host of Bravo's "Top Chef" and author of "Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet," a cookbook in which brash, flavorful combinations rule.

A holiday margarita
Don't use salt to coat the rim of your glass for this winter-appropriate margarita from Rebecca Rather's "The Pastry Queen Christmas." She suggests running a bit of cut lime around the rim, then dunking the glass in sugar.

Recipe Finder: Soft, chewy molasses cookie
Sandra Stonebreaker of Ocean Park, Wash., was looking for a recipe for a soft, chewy molasses cookie similar to the ones sold at Starbucks. Mary Thorne of Pittsfield, Mass., said that she has never tried the cookies at Starbucks, but she thinks the "best" molasses cookie she has ever eaten was sold at a gift shop called the Jennifer House in Great Barrington, Mass.

Cultural Christmas
During the holidays, one generally thinks of mom, dad and the extended family coming together at the table. A fire roaring in the background completes the Norman Rockwell painting. Yes, we all know too well the typical mad rush for last minute gifts and 30 people over for a meal in a two-bedroom house.

Try this recipe for gingerbread family kit
Give the gift of hassle-free fun with these gingerbread family kits. You do the least exciting part (baking the cookies), and let your recipients do the decorating. Package the cookies (one for each member of the family, and don't forget pets) with small candies and decorating gels.

Major Health Care Gap Found
ATLANTA -- Uninsured cancer patients are nearly twice as likely to die within five years as those with private coverage, according to the first national study of its kind and one that sheds light on troubling health care obstacles.

Try to quit smoking during the new year
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you will ever do. You will live longer and live better. Quitting will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke or cancer. If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby. The people you live with, especially your children, will thank you.

Dr. Donohue: Reliability of test not 100 percent
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 75-year-old man. In February I had a urinary tract infection, and at the same time a PSA test was done. It indicated a free PSA as 31.6 percent. Since then, I have had three more tests of free PSA, with the following results: 16 percent, 14 percent and 16 percent. My total PSA is 2.33. I am confused by the discrepancy of the total PSA with the free PSA. Can you explain? J.L.

Know Your Neighbor ...
The other day I had a call from a neighbor that there
was a bald eagle on the utility pole near his house.

Letter to the Editor
The other day I had a call from a neighbor that there
was a bald eagle on the utility pole near his house.

Dad, kids found alive 3 days after vanishing
PARADISE, Calif. -- A father and three children who vanished on a Christmas tree-cutting trip in the Northern California mountains were found alive Wednesday after huddling in a culvert for warmth during three days of heavy snow.

Police, protesters scuffle in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS -- Police used chemical spray and stun guns Thursday on protesters who tried to force their way into a City Council meeting, the latest strife over plans to demolish some 4,500 public housing units in a redevelopment project that council members ended up unanimously supporting.

Bush orders review of earmarks
WASHINGTON -- President Bush complained Thursday about thousands of pet projects Congress sent to him in a just-passed spending bill and asked his budget director for ideas for what to do with them.

Astronaut's mother dies while he is on space station
CHICAGO -- A 90-year-old woman whose son, Daniel M. Tani, is on the International Space Station died Wednesday when the car in which she was traveling was struck by a train in the western suburb of Lombard, Ill., police said.

Bush signs energy law
WASHINGTON -- Gas guzzlers could become relics of the past and farmers may rival oil companies in producing motor fuels under a new energy law. Consumers also will save electricity and money from more efficient refrigerators, furnaces and dishwashers.

Bush: 'Let's wait and see'
WASHINGTON -- President Bush said Thursday that he won't give an opinion on the administration's destruction of CIA interrogation tapes until numerous investigations into the matter are finished.

Documents on videotape destruction to be released
WASHINGTON -- The CIA said Wednesday it would begin handing over documents to Congress about the destruction of videotapings showing the harsh interrogation of two terror suspects after the House Intelligence Committee threatened to subpoena two agency officials.

General: Al-Qaida pushed north
BAGHDAD -- The top U.S. commander in northern Iraq warned Wednesday that al-Qaida in Iraq was still capable of staging spectacular attacks despite a 50 percent drop in bombings and other violence in his region.

Jury awards $15.5 M for wrongful arrest
CHICAGO -- In what is believed to be the largest award of its kind in Illinois history, a federal jury Thursday awarded $15.5 million to Kevin Fox and his wife, after deciding Will County sheriff's detectives falsely arrested Fox in the sexual assault and murder of his 3-year-old daughter Riley.

4 dead in 'hellish inferno'
Four people are dead and as many as 21 others were injured following a chemical plant explosion this afternoon on Jacksonville's Northside. The blast destroyed T2 Lab, an industrial building, and thick black smoke billowed hundreds of feet into the air following the mid-afternoon explosion that witnesses said left the area resembling a war zone.

Police Report:
The following was compiled from police reports collected from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJCSO), St. Augustine Police Department (SAPD) and St. Augustine Beach Police Department (SABPD):

Police Report:
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
A St. Johns County man faces charges after a teenage girl accused him of committing sexual acts on her while he thought she was sleeping during the past year.

Holiday Closings
All departments of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners will be closed Monday and Tuesday for the Christmas holidays. They will also be closed Jan. 1.

Betty M. Rutherford
Betty M. Rutherford, 84, of St. Augustine, died Dec. 16, 2007, at Samantha Wilson Care Center at Bayview. Mrs. Rutherford was a native of Charleston, W. Va., and had resided in St. Augustine since 1987. Mrs. Rutherford was a longtime resident of Miami, Fla., before moving to St. Augustine. She had worked in various accounting positions and was retired from St. Johns River Water Management.

NBA: Pistons edge Celtics
BOSTON -- Chauncey Billups hit two free throws with one-tenth of a second left and the Detroit Pistons handed the Celtics their first home loss of the season, 87-85 on Wednesday night.

Eddie Lee Davis
Eddie Lee Davis, 76, of St. Augustine, died Dec. 12, 2007, at North East Florida Community Hospice Center. Mr. Davis was a native of Gainesville, Fla., and had resided in St. Augustine. Mr. Davis was a former truck driver for the city of Sacramento, Calif., and had served as a deacon for many years. He was of the Baptist faith.

Charles Harley
Charles Harley, 80, of Bunnell, Fla., died Dec. 12, 2007, at Kindred Hospital in Green Cove Springs. Mr. Harley was a native and lifelong resident of Bunnell. Mr. Harley was a retired farm laborer. He was of the Baptist faith.

(Perspective) The (Covington) Kentucky Post, on torture:
Torture or enhanced interrogation techniques, if you wish is not part of the American ethos. It is forbidden by law and treaty. We are embarrassed by it, even when it results, as it apparently did, in persuading senior al-Qaida leader Abu Zubaydah to deliver up 9-11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his accomplice, Ramzi Binalshibh.

Sowell: Academic intimidation
There is an article in the current issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education the trade publication of the academic world about professors being physically intimidated by their students.

Letter: Beach short-term rentals are not residences
Editor: I want to express my feelings about short-term rentals in residential areas as a concerned resident. It is not an allowed activity and it should stay that way. It is a commercial activity and should not be permitted in residential area.

Perspective: All mixed-up over Iran
Last week's U.S. National Intelligence Estimate states, with "high confidence," that Iran quit trying to get a nuclear bomb in late 2003. That's exactly the opposite of what the NIE reported just two years ago, when it claimed Iran's ruling mullahs were still developing nuclear weapons.

Letter: TV documentaries often dispute biblical stories
Editor: I am amazed at the deceptive documentary programming on religious issues on the History, Discovery, National Geographic (naked science), PBS (Nova) and other channels. An exception is the fine educational programing presented on these channels on other subjects. A program was recently presented on the Discovery channel about Noah's Ark. Every attempt was made by scientists to dispute the biblical account. They stated it would have been impossible for the ark to float given the dimensions and wood structure as stated in scripture. Other biblical accounts including: God's creation in Genesis, destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, plagues on Egypt, parting of the Red Sea, virgin birth of Jesus, the resurrection and healing powers of Jesus Christ and other miracles depicted in the Bible are explained by scientific theories such as evolution, the big bang, natural events or other secular rationales.

Letter: Shares more on Broudy business history
Editor: This letter is in reference to the Dec. 2 article in the buisness section about the Broudy family-owned business, "Broudy's new look, The family-owned business gets $100,000 facelift."

Letter: Offer 'image test' of presidential hopefuls
Editor: Many people may not want to follow the presidential debates nor read the coverage of their platforms and answers for the next year. For them I have devised an image test so they may compare each candidate with the big and little screen persona, not the looks.

Everywhere signs of Christmas
As I arose early one morning with great enthusiasm as Christmas was drawing near; I thought, I'll shop till I drop; I'll share great gifts with all that I know; I'll go here and there till I find those very special gifts! Of course, my first stop was the mall!

Questions and answers about the Mormon faith
Since he entered the race, Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney has faced questions about his Mormon faith. Last week, the former Massachusetts governor said the questions had gone too far.

Birth of Christ to be proclaimed
Christmas lights, Christmas music and more are being offered this holiday season around our community. A special Christmas worship service with award-winning violinist Janine Newfield is planned at the 11 a.m. service Sunday at Moultrie Baptist Church. Newfield will be performing in conjunction with Pastor Sandford Colley's Christmas sermon. She will also provide musical selections for the Widow's/Widower Banquet following the service.

Christian service center says, 'Thank you'
During this season of giving representatives of the South Putnam Christian Service Center, located in Crescent City, have extended their thanks for last month's fundraising charity golf tournament at the Live Oak Golf and Country Club in Fruitland.

Christ Church supports Learn to Read
A check For $6,409 from Christ Church at Serenata was recently presented to Janet Hutson, executive director of Learn to Read of St. Johns County, Inc. Through the dedicated effort and prayers of the outreach committee of Christ Church at

Christmas candle
As the bishop presents his special messages each day he will be using the Christmas Candle of Hope," in a candle holder which has ties to St. Augustine, just like the bishop.

What to do about Christmas
"What To Do About Christmas," by Billy Thomas, is the topic for the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Sarkozy meets with pope
VATICAN CITY -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday and said he was "personally moved" by his first audience with the pontiff.

St. Mark's accepts chaplain commission
PALM COAST -- The Candles on the Advent Wreath flicker and the familiar songs that prepare us for Christmas fill the air; but there is a sense of sadness and heavy hearts at St. Mark By The Sea Lutheran Church this year. The congregation is preparing to say "Good-bye" to their pastor of 9 years as he prepares to re-enter the United States Navy as a chaplain.

Special holiday events are scheduled
The Sandwich Mission will host an outdoor Christmas luncheon at noon Saturday in West Augustine. The location is a vacant lot at Nassau and Cathedral streets.

Turkish official favors lifting headscarf ban
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) -- Turkey's new chief of higher education said Tuesday that he supports abolishing a ban on Islamic-style headscarves in universities, a news agency reported.

Hanukkah lighting in plaza has become a tradition in Oldest City
As the sun dropped out of sight Dec. 5 crowds gathered in the Plaza de la Constitucion to participate in a celebration that has become something of a tradition here. It was the second night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and a nine-foot menorah stood in the center of the plaza, ready to be lit.

Remember St. Gerard Campus this Christmas season
Faith is an essential part of the support given at the St. Gerard Campus, which is why Caroline Wolff, founder and director, says they cannot receive any funding from local, county, state or federal government agencies.

Briefs
Muslim dialogue
SAN DIEGO -- The head of the largest branch of American Judaism is urging members of the movement to do more to observe Shabbat.

Gore, Clinton among speakers
ATLANTA (AP) -- A conference organized by former President Carter and others that aims to unite Baptists from more than 30 denominations says major political figures from both parties are tentatively planning to come.

Celebrating Eid Al-Adha in America
ABRAHAM'S SACRIFICE
The festival commemorates the story of prophets Abraham and Ishmael, said Moujahed Bakhach, who is imam, or spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Al-Hedayah in Fort Worth. Abraham's submission to God was so sincere that he was ready to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, according to the Quran. But God protected Ishmael by sending a sheep to be sacrificed instead.

Christmas Thoughts
One Christmas day about 3 p.m., Bishop Robert Baker, then serving the Diocese of Charleston, was out for an afternoon stroll. Almost getting hit in the head as someone tossed a Christmas tree through an open window, Bishop Baker had an epiphany.

MLB: Detroit's Willis signs deal
DETROIT -- Dontrelle Willis agreed Thursday to a $29 million, three-year contract with the Detroit Tigers, three weeks after he was acquired from the Florida Marlins in the biggest trade of the offseason.

'Noles plan for bowl without 24 players
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida State coach Bobby Bowden called off an afternoon practice Wednesday to meet with his players, about two dozen of which are expected to be suspended for the Music City Bowl for involvement in an academic cheating scandal.

Well Received
JACKSONVILLE -- The Jaguars wanted someone anyone to emerge as a top-flight receiver. As they prepared for 2007, they pushed all the buttons they knew:

NHL: Red Wings handle Kings
UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Maxim Afinogenov scored with 2:17 left in the third period, just as Buffalo's sixth power play ended, and Ryan Miller made 42 saves to lift the Sabres to a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Wednesday night.

Column: This is football's $illy season
If you thought the PGA Tour was greedy for tacking on a few unofficial paydays at the end of the real season, get a load of college football's "silly season."

Gators Cruise
GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Billy Donovan's voice was more hoarse than usual Wednesday night, the result of a little cold and a lot of screaming.

Punishment for those in the Mitchell Report unlikely
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts got his name in the Mitchell Report on the flimsiest of evidence: Former teammate Larry Bigbie told investigators that Roberts admitted injecting himself with steroids "once or twice."

New Orleans returns to spotlight
NEW ORLEANS -- By the time LSU or Ohio State is crowned national champion in the Superdome, nearly $500 million will have been injected into the New Orleans economy by a triple dose of bowl games.

Johnson, Lachey team up for golf tourney
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The last time Jimmie Johnson climbed on top of a golf cart was disastrous he fell off, broke his wrist and was embarrassed by the controversy the stunt caused.

NHL: Florida nips Carolina
ST. PAUL -- Marian Gaborik posted the NHL's first five-goal game in a decade, lifting the Minnesota Wild to a 6-3 win over the New York Rangers on Thursday night. Gaborik's outburst was the biggest in the league since Sergei Fedorov scored five for Detroit on Dec. 26, 1996, in an overtime game against Washington.

Pacman's final appeal denied
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The NFL rejected an appeal by the players' union Thursday on behalf of suspended Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell turned down Jones' request for leniency Nov. 6. The NFL Players' Association appealed that ruling as excessive and had a hearing by telephone Dec. 14. But Jones must serve the final two games of his seasonlong suspension.

Camarillo scores spotlight for Dolphins
DAVIE -- In the interest of explaining why Miami Dolphins wide receiver Greg Camarillo was a largely anonymous player before last weekend, here's an update on his NFL career statistics.

Judge rules state voter registration law illegal
TALLAHASSEE -- A federal judge ordered Florida election authorities to stop enforcing a 2-year-old voter registration law, ruling Tuesday there is proof that the change put in place by the GOP-controlled Legislature has resulted in "actual harm to real individuals."

Crist may sue property insurers over high rates
MIAMI -- Gov. Charlie Crist said Wednesday he wants three trial lawyers to review documents for a possible class-action lawsuit against property insurers, alleging that the industry hasn't passed on savings to consumers as required by a new Florida law.

Intruder shot in Palm Coast
A Palm Coast man shot and killed an intruder who walked through the front door of his house Tuesday, authorities said.

Spaceship Earth reopens with new features
LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Epcot's iconic white sphere, Spaceship Earth, closed for nearly six months, will reopen to the public Friday with a new story line and digital enhancements.

Death was fourth this year at Disney
ORLANDO -- A 44-year-old man visiting Walt Disney World with his family died Tuesday after apparently suffering a heart attack on the Expedition Everest roller coaster in Animal Kingdom and despite company efforts to distribute portable heart defibrillators throughout the resort, none was immediately available for him.

Appropriations bill includes 9B funds
Congress's Omnibus Appropriations Bill includes $500,000 in federal funds to support the expansion of S.R. 9B in St. Johns County, U.S. Congressman John L. Mica (R-7th District) announced Wednesday.

Briefs
Man dies 12 years after being shot in Colombia
ROYAL PALM BEACH -- A 25-year-old man who was shot in Colombia 12 years ago has died, and authorities are now looking to South America to solve the crime.

Citizens' corruption complaints overwhelm Chinese Web site
BEIJING -- China's new National Bureau of Corruption Prevention thought it would be a good idea to open a Web site for citizens to denounce crooked officials. The idea was so good that the site was immediately deluged by irate Chinese, overwhelming the system and causing several crashes during the first two days of operation.

Store owner charged with falsely claiming $5.6M win
TORONTO -- A former convenience store owner was charged with fraud and theft Wednesday for allegedly claiming a multimillion-dollar lottery jackpot his customers won, the latest in a series of lottery scandals in Canada.

House approves $70 billion more for Iraq, Afghanistan
WASHINGTON -- Ending dual spending battles with President Bush, the Democratic-controlled Congress passed a $555 billion bill Wednesday that funds the Iraq war well into next year and government agencies through September.